Welcome
Dunmore Lang College staff and students are grateful to live and work on Wallumattagal land, which has been nurtured and cared for since the Dreaming. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and seek to honour their legacy through our work and care for the environment. We are committed to embracing a bicultural approach across all aspects of college life and sharing this with students from around Australia and the world.
Each year, we warmly welcome first-year students and their families to Dunmore Lang College. Our formal activities begin with a Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Chris Tobin. Uncle Chris has been providing support and advice for staff and students, including helping to find the name for the college magazine — Ngarra — which means “listen” in the Dharug language.
Gathering under the trees on shift-in day is a poignant moment. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for students at Dunmore Lang College, as their families and friends celebrate this milestone before returning home. While anticipation may be tinged with anxiety, the predominant feeling is excitement—a readiness to discover what the future holds.
As Uncle Chris shared with those present:
“Wherever you are in your spiritual understanding, this ceremony is to help you to let go of anything holding you back before you start the next stage of your life journey here… In Aboriginal culture, you look after the place that you are on and know that everyone belongs… let’s pass through the smoke together to create a new bright future.”
University study marks a significant transition in a young person’s life. For many, it is their first experience of full independence; of forging new relationships and of managing personal and academic challenges without their family close at hand. This is a significant period where there is space, and opportunities to find out who they are and who they want to be, building relationships thoughtfully while remaining anchored in their personal values. And, as they navigate these decisions together, they meet others from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, not only expanding their worldviews but also making friends for now and for life.
Dunmore Lang is more than a place to live; it is an intentional community grounded in values that matter - mutual respect, responsibility and personal integrity. Diversity here is not only acknowledged but welcomed and celebrated as a strength — essential community traits that support a sense of safety, respect and, belonging. There is no one way to be a Dunmore Lang College student and we actively encourage diversity, individual autonomy and authenticity.
Succeeding individually means supporting each other and students are invited to be their full self as well as making space for others to do the same. At Dunmore Lang, we encourage students not only to succeed individually but to also support one another so we can all flourish together. Being in community is both an opportunity and a responsibility and we invite everyone, staff and students to take an active role in shaping who we are each year.
Throughout the year formal events such as our Commencement Dinner celebrate what this community of amazing young adults can achieve when individuals share their gifts and support each other. From recognising academic and leadership excellence, community contributions from individuals and also the ADS committees, to the individual achievements of current students and alumni, these events acknowledge and celebrate the hard work behind the many achievements.
Each year, I am reminded of the privilege of leading this vibrant community. Our role as educators and mentors is not only to support academic excellence, but to encourage a broad set of intelligences encompassing personal values, respect for others, and a mind open to the vast diversity of our world. In doing so, we aim to help students build successful careers, but even more importantly to be sources of positive influence and change throughout their lives.
We often tell our students that the world has much to offer them — but they, equally, have much to offer the world. At Dunmore Lang College, we are committed to providing the freedom and the responsibility for students to be all they hope for and more than they can yet imagine.
Dr Alasdair Murrie-West Principal Aotearoa New Zealand
New staff
Pernille Jack
Pernille Jack joined our team as Executive Assistant in July 2024.
Before finding her way to Dunmore Lang College, Pernille worked in administration and events across the arts and creative industries for over 20 years and has travelled extensively.
She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and lived at a residential college during her own studies when she first moved to Sydney.
Pernille supports the college staff team, works closely with the Board and keeps things organised.
Georgia Mckenzie
Georgia started as a temp in March 2025 but is returning to Australia to cover Aimee, our Assistant Dean’s maternity leave until January 2026.
She has a background in widening participation and teaching. Originally from a small town in Leeds, England, Georgia was the first person in her family to attend university.
Georgia studied Criminology with Criminal Law before moving on to complete a postgraduate degree in primary education. She is passionate about working with students to explore their talents and recognise their potential.
Angela Xu
Angela Xu joined our team as the Senior Accountant in June 2025.
Angela was attracted to the role at Dunmore Lang College as it aligns with her past work and values of helping others, having worked in Darwin at an NGO legal justice centre.
Most recently, Angela has returned from a year of travelling with her family around North America, Canada and Asia.
Angela has completed a Master of Accounting, is a qualified CPA, and she is looking forward to putting her skills to use in our small but dynamic team.
“I’m looking forward to settling into my new role at College, it’s so nice to work in a team where everyone is so helpful.”
Angela Xu
Olivia Pierre
Olivia joined our team as the Admissions and Enrolment Coordinator in June 2025.
Olivia completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in Asia and Pacific Studies at the University of Leeds. After working and travelling, she then completed a Master of Science in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University City College in London.
Olivia brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge from her experience in admission roles in both England and Australia. Olivia is looking forward to being the first point of call for prospective students looking for accommodation and an inclusive community at Macquarie University.
Rebecca Sahni
Rebecca Sahni joined our team as Business Manager in June 2025.
Prior to joining Dunmore Lang College, Rebecca held the role of Finance Director at the University of Sydney Student Union.
A qualified CPA for over 20 years, Rebecca has worked for corporate and not-for-profit organizations during this time and has also been a student at both Macquarie and Monash Universities. The opportunity to join Dunmore Lang College presents both the challenges and joys of working with students, an environment which she is familiar.
She is looking forward to working alongside the Dean of Students and Principal in this role.
So much more than just security
Laden
down with baking ingredients and chatting about their weekend, is not how one expects to meet the person watching over the college at night.
When Cherie breaks from the late-night student baking group to sit down to share her story at midnight, her smiles at the constant interruptions only showcase how much she enjoys the role as Community Supervisor at Dunmore Lang College. A role she started earlier this year.
Trained in security and the owner of the company supplying overnight staff for Dunmore Lang College, she has worked on night patrols at universities for a long time where students would only ever just say ‘hello’ if they passed her.
But at Dunmore Lang while she still monitors cameras, checks doors and challenges any non-residents — here they are usually friends of students who live here — it’s obvious that nights at DLC are completely different.
“She’s just lovely!” says a passing student — But I wouldn’t mess with her either!” grins another one. Cherie doubles as the support team for the ‘night owls’, students who tend to choose lectures in the afternoon so they can study at night. She said she met most of them initially in the “First Year Chats”, when new students pick a staff member to talk to about their hopes for college life and how the team can help them.
“I noticed quite a few said they liked to bake — so now we do!”
“Sometimes students will come in and study in my office while I do my work. Other times, they just want to talk about their day; I’m a mum, so I know teenagers like someone to listen, so I don’t give advice unless they want it.” She’s even an expert in talking gaming and anime.
Cherie has three teens at home — her two sons and their cousin — and says often life at home and work feels the same. “I just want everyone to feel safe — and that someone is always there if they need it. I like seeing them happy.”
Part of ‘happy’ was getting permission from Andrew the Catering Manager to use the kitchen after hours — and the Late-Night Bakers group was formed — homemade cookies at 11pm!
Brought up in a large extended family in rural Manutuke, Gisborne in NZ, Cherie has a special heart for students from remote areas.
“I especially love seeing the shy students, some who haven’t had the chance to make friends their own age. They come here all quiet and then they meet their people and get into uni life. It’s great seeing everyone find their place and people. They all love it here.”
Does she ever need to get tough? “They are all great young people. They can get a bit noisy after curfew sometimes, but they know what’s expected; a gentle reminder is enough — it’s not hard to do your own thing and still be kind and not annoy anyone,” she said. “It is still possible to follow the rules, have some self-discipline and still enjoy yourself,” she said.
Dunmore Lang is all about kindness and relationships she said. “I signed up thinking this would just be another security job, but I feel like I’ve adopted 250 kids of my own. Once all I did was protect property. Now I can care for people.”
Behind her one of the students is making heart shapes with their hands. It’s clear the feelings are mutual.
“I signed up thinking this would just be another security job, but I feel like I’ve adopted 250 kids of my own. Once all I did was protect property. Now I can care for people.”
A chat with our new Chair Ty Birkett
How long have you been on the Board and involved with DLC?
I have been on the Board since April 2023, initially as the Chair of the Risk Committee and have been the Chair of the Board since the start of 2025.
I am a graduate of Macquarie University and have had an association with DLC all the way back to the late 1980s.
How did you come to join the Board?
I saw the advertisement through the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I was excited when I saw that it was for Dunmore Lang College. The Board were seeking directors with experience in risk, finance, higher education, and governance, and of course when they also mentioned a desire for someone who knew Macquarie University and residential colleges it seemed a natural fit for my background!
And a little more about you…
Having moved from Canberra to live at Macquarie University at the age of 17, I have first-hand experience of the amazing impact a residential college has on young adults. It changes lives and I am delighted that I can now see, and have an influence on, this impact from a different position.
I also have three teenage boys who are finding their way in life, deciding what they want to do and importantly developing their values and moral compasses. While many challenges have not changed over the years, there are a lot of new ones. Things like social media and the internet, the rate of change in the workforce or the enormous impact we are seeing from COVID lockdowns coinciding with their formative years.
What part of your professional background do you think will help you make an insightful contribution?
I have been lucky to work in a range of different roles and locations in the finance industry for thirty years. My roles required me to deal with a wide range of different people — whether they be boards, senior executives, or staff. My finance and higher education worlds overlapped when I led Unimutual and interacted with senior management at many of the universities and colleges across Australia and got to understand the challenges they were facing.
I always enjoyed developing younger team members. From time to time, I even did a few guest lectures at Macquarie University!
Thank you Belinda Howell
I would like to acknowledge Belinda Howell’s service and hard work on behalf of the College, as a director for seven years and as the Chair of the Board in 2023 and 2024. As Chair Belinda continued to strengthen the College’s governance including the addition of new directors and revamping the Board’s committee structure.
“I am a graduate of Macquarie University and have had an association with DLC all the way back to the late 1980s.”
Week 2025
O-Week is an action packed, inclusive and engaging time that allows our new students to begin their college experience at Dunmore Lang with support, friends and many activities! The Association of Dunmore Lang College Students (ADS) organised and executed Rio-Week! Inspired by the movie Rio, the vivid summers of Brazil and the festivity of Carnival, students got out their feather boas and enjoyed a week of high spirits!
Rio-Week had a wide range of activities that allowed students to meet their fellow peers, familiarise themselves with college life, and explore Macquarie University’s campus. These activities took us all over Sydney, showcasing some of the highlights this incredible city has to offer. Activities included working in teams to complete a scavenger hunt around the CBD, uni tours, karaoke night, and a boat cruise on Sydney Harbour. O-Week creates memories and forges friendships that will last a lifetime, it is the perfect welcome for our new students to immerse themselves in our wonderful community!
Jessica Vernon, 2025 ADS President Gadigal Country
“ Tonight is a sign that you have become a part of our welcoming community of friends, learners, and leaders…”
Dr Alasdair Murrie-West
Commencement Dinner 2025
Celebrating community and achievement
Over 250 students, representatives of the College Board, staff, alumni, and generous supporters united at our annual Commencement Dinner to launch the academic year in style. Building on the friendships formed at the First-year Dinner held during O-Week, the formal dinner welcomed new students and recognised the wide-ranging efforts that help ensure Dunmore Lang students can achieve their potential both individually and for society.
The presentation of scholarships was an opportunity to honour promising students as well as thank the supporters who enable our College to keep its commitment to access, equity, and excellence. In 2025, donations and partnerships including with Macquarie University, OPTUS, Rotary NSW and the Country Education Foundation provided over $600,000 to help cover costs for students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from rural and regional areas, Indigenous students and first in their family to attend university
At the dinner, 20 new scholarship recipients were congratulated. Students with outstanding academic results in 2024 were also recognised. Whether recognising leadership, service, sporting or academic merit, each award represented an investment in a student’s potential and a shared belief in the transformative power of education.
Dr Alasdair Murrie-West, who has been Principal of the College for over 13 years, opened the evening by reflecting on the values that underpin College life: identity, mutual respect, personal growth and kindness.
“You are all an integral part of keeping this an inclusive, respectful home for everyone, wherever they have come from,” he said. “Tonight is a sign that you have become a part of our welcoming community of friends, learners, and leaders, and also of our commitment that we will work together to ensure you will create a bright future
for yourself and for the world you will impact when you leave. Know the world has much to offer you, but know also you have much to offer the world.”
Alumna Elinor Bowman gave an inspiring address, encouraging the students to make the most of the opportunities offered at the College and to value this special time in their lives that will be over all too soon. Originally from Stanhope (Wonnarua), NSW, Elinor is now a lawyer at Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney. Elinor has built a dynamic career in corporate advisory, contributing to major commercial transactions across Australia.
During her time at Dunmore Lang, she served as Social Committee Head, Senior Vice President of the ADS, and a College Ambassador. Her address reflected not only her professional achievements but also her deep connection to the DLC community and her passion for leadership, learning and giving back.
Musical performances from College students entertained the guests and provided a reminder of the wide range of talent of our students.
The Commencement Dinner was a night of connection and community, setting an encouraging tone for the year ahead. It was also a powerful reminder of what is possible when students beginning their next chapter are supported, encouraged and celebrated.
dunmorelangcollege.nsw.edu.au
Scholarships
Undergraduate Academic Scholarship
Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship
Dahlia Abbas
Jake Calabria
Lily Bull
Amelia Cox
Indigo Fardell
Imogen Hanrahan
Srishti Namoa
A special thanks to our partners who generously donate funding towards our scholarships each year. We appreciate your ongoing support to increase access to tertiary education for our students.
Griffith
Griffith Wiradjuri Wiradjuri
Armidale Waterview Heights
Dyers Crossing
Manly
Principal’s Award
Dunmore Lang College / Country Education Foundation Scholarship
Macquarie University Advantage Accommodation Scholarship
Displaced Students Trust
Dean Frost Memorial Award for overall Academic Excellence
Undergraduate Academic Excellence Awards
Summer Marshall
Abbey Hall
Chloe Rawnsley
Andrew Yates
Jennifer Ibe
Trae Ronning
Sarmaya Te-Kowhai
George Conin
Devonport, Tasmania Anaiwan Bundjalung
Biripi & Worimi
Gayamagal Pirinilaplu
Nate Burke Helensburgh Dharawal
Cambridge Park Wallendbeen Dharug Wiradjuri
Dubbo Port Macquarie
Dubbo Barwang Moruya Borenore Wiradjuri Biripi Wiradjuri
Wiradjuri Yuin Wiradjuri
Nestor Lemza Redfern (originally Ukraine) Gadigal
2024 Academic Excellence Awards
RECIPIENT
Pria Cerato
Faculty of Arts
Scarlett Banks
Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences
William Milne
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Students recognised at Macquarie University
RECIPIENT
Walanga Muru Deadly Awards
Kristen Martin
2nd year Overall Highest Academic Achievement for Session 2, 2023
Georja Bennett
2nd year Overall Highest Academic Achievement for Session 1, 2024
Griffith Wiradjuri
Quorrobolong
Oakdale Wonnarua Tharawal
Muswellbrook
Darlington Wonnarua Cadigal
COUNTRY
UK students’ year of friends and fun in OZ
When Kelsey and Ben from the UK chose Australia as their Uni Exchange destination, they both wanted to experience variety, fun and independence.
Kesley Taylor is on exchange from Glasgow University, Scotland where she studies her Master of Arts in Music. Exploring her exchange options, she was a little bit nervous.
“I had never lived away from home and as an only child, I knew my parents needed to know I was safe,” she said. “University life in Australia — and then finding DLC — was the perfect solution. But I didn’t realise just how much I’d love it here.”
Ben Armitage is here on exchange from the University of York, where he studies a Bachelor of Laws and Criminology.
Ben and Kelsey have been fully immersed in College life and jumped at the chance to be College Ambassadors, a role which saw them traveling around rural New South Wales to represent the College. “Telling everyone that Dunmore Lang was the place to go was easy. Everyone loved the merch! You could see the kids going from nervous to being excited for it and saying ‘see you on Open Day’,” said Ben.
Ben had lived in halls back in the UK so he thought he knew what to expect, but O-Week showed him that College was going to be different. He couldn’t believe all the activities and how everyone just connected and got along. Kelsey agreed, adding “here even the dining room was nothing like school lunches. There’s no cliques — everyone can sit anywhere. There’s people here from so many places and backgrounds. You really can be 100% yourself. You end up chatting with someone and time just goes… there’s no judgement.
The support here is unreal.”
Their advice to anyone considering exchange? Go for it.
“Get out of your comfort zone. You won’t regret it,” said Ben.
“I knew I’d be free of the hassles. I’d get a clean room and all meals and thought maybe a nod in the corridor — but DLC is much much more. I just didn’t expect to make a load of such great friends from all over!”
Ben Armitage, England
Facilities improvements
The past twelve months have been a hive of activity around Dunmore Lang College. Most notably the roof of the College has been replaced, a job with many unforeseen hurdles along the way, the kitchen floor was updated to a new non-slip surface, and the complete exterior of the building has been cleaned — restoring the bricks to their original colour.
Additionally, the students have gained three new spaces, two lounge areas/common rooms and a study space. We have also begun painting the interior corridors of the College, brightening up the lower levels.
We have upgraded our washing machines and dryers, whilst also engaging a new company, Replenish Vending (drinks), giving a portion of their profits to Red Frogs, a support programme for young people between the ages of 13–30.
At every entry point into and around the College we have installed new Acknowledgement of Country plaques. These plaques acknowledge Wallumattagal of the Dharug nation on whose land Dunmore Lang sits. All the different bird varieties featured on the plaques are local to the area.
2024 DLC Ball
The 2024 annual Ball was an amazing night filled with good music, plenty of dancing and lots of awards. The students arrived at the surprise venue, 12 Micron located in Barangaroo, and everyone was buzzing about the views and beautiful décor of the room.
The excitement built throughout the night, starting with a delicious three course meal and the highly anticipated awards, including ball royalty. The music didn’t disappoint with an energetic live band followed by a DJ set after the formalities.
The Ball is such an exciting and meaningful event on the DLC calendar, where we have the chance to get dressed up and celebrate the friendships and connections we have made throughout our time at college, as well as the incredible community we have at Dunmore Lang.
We would like to thank all the staff and students who made this event possible by attending and lending a helping hand. It was an honour having the opportunity to organise such a memorable Ball! Annie Walsh and Izzy Aveyard Heads of the 2024 Ball Committee Gomeroi Country and Wiradjuri Country
Country Education Foundation (CEF) Scholarship
A national NGO, the Country Education Foundation (CEF) has supported over 8,000 students since it started in 1993 with grants and scholarships based on financial need, academic drive, community involvement and a commitment to giving back.
The Dunmore Lang College / Country Education Foundation Scholarship helps to remove the financial and geographic barriers for young people from rural and regional Australia, supporting their success at university and beyond. Dunmore Lang College has partnered with CEF for six years, reflecting shared values of Empowerment, Connection, and Sustainability. Donations to our College fund 50% of the annual accommodation fees and we were delighted in 2025 to be able to double our support.
Abbey Hall
Country Education Foundation
Scholarship
winner
Growing up on a cherry farm in Wombat, near Young (Burrowmunditory), Abbey Hall learned the importance of self-reliance and to appreciate the opportunities that come from a good education.
“My parents made sacrifices so I could go to boarding school so I wanted to make something of myself and find a good career,” she said. Moving to Sydney was a big transition but thanks to the scholarship and Dunmore Lang College she feels well-positioned to make her next move. Abbey is in her first year of a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, which is only offered at Macquarie University in New South Wales. She is already helping out at her local practice in Young during uni breaks and one day hopes to have her own clinic in regional New South Wales.
Abbey is no stranger to residential accommodation, as a boarder at Canberra Girls Grammar and more recently having spent her gap year in England living and working in a boarding school. Abbey was delighted to be granted the scholarship because she didn’t want to return from England and be a burden on her family. College has been everything she wanted and more!
“Dunmore Lang has all the fun parts of boarding school, but also provides freedom and opportunity as a young adult — also the food is so much better! There’s always something happening and someone to talk to… it’s a great location — so close to uni and the Macquarie Centre (a large shopping centre) and so many places to go,” she said.
“I can be who I am — I don’t feel like I have to put up a façade. It doesn’t feel like an institution at all — it’s my home.”
“Dunmore Lang has all the fun parts of boarding school, but also provides freedom and opportunity as a young adult…”
Abbey Hall
Summer Marshall Country Education Foundation Scholarship winner
The Dunmore Lang College / Country Education Foundation scholarship empowers students from rural and regional areas to achieve their dreams of a top quality university education, something that Summer Marshall has aspired to throughout her schooling. Summer worked hard throughout high school to become the first in her family to attend university. She is currently in her first year of a Bachelor of Business, focusing on marketing with a goal to utilise her skills to help people market their ideas. The financial support from the scholarship has alleviated a lot of pressure and means she can now focus on her studies and juggle her other commitments.
Outside of her tertiary study Summer has spent the last four years working with children with disabilities, volunteering her time at the Mixed Martial Arts facility near her home outside Forster (Worimi). Self defence and resilience are important to Summer and she wanted to share her skills with other young children who have faced adversity. Summer currently volunteers at a homeless shelter near Penrith whilst maintaining a part time job.
Without this scholarship Summer wouldn’t have had the opportunity to live at College. “It’s the perfect transition from family to independent life,” she said. “You get all the benefits of being an adult whilst also having a community and support around you. Knowing that I have a home to go to takes a lot of the stress out of life,” she said.
“It’s just so good to be able to come home from a shift and have a delicious dinner ready for you!”
Summer Marshall Dharug Country
New Colombo Plan Scholar still treasures DLC mindset
Hunkering down alone in a Vanuatu village during New Year’s Eve 2024 celebrations, Charlotte Greet felt a long way from her Dunmore Lang College community. Even two and a half thousand kilometres away, her passion for change, sense of adventure, and community mindset fostered by DLC made all the difference. She’s now well on her way to making that career into reality and gladly shared how the DLC community played an integral role in her exciting journey.
Charlotte is no pushover. Growing up spending her holidays helping on her grandfather’s sheep and cattle farm near Goulburn (Mulwaree), she’s faced her share of rural adventures. Charlotte was accepted into the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University and was awarded a Regional and Rural Scholarship, a scholarship that covered one year of the accommodation costs at Dunmore Lang College. That support and her new DLC community gave her both the opportunity and the courage to reach for all that university life had to offer.
New Colombo Plan Challenges
Charlotte’s passion to make a difference took her to Efate Island, Vanuatu, after she was awarded one of the Australian Government’s 150 highly competitive New Colombo Plan scholarships for undergraduate students. Her self-designed programme involved a year studying law at the University of the South Pacific’s Emalus Campus then working at the grass-roots women’s rights organisation ‘Sista’ in a small team of local women. She said it was her friends at College and meeting exchange students that inspired her to apply for the scholarship. Especially Anna Williams, a previous Colombo Plan Scholarship recipient, who guided her through the application process and spent hours helping Charlotte practice interviews to prepare.
A Community of Best Friends
“My time at DLC gave me the skills and the right mindset to face the culture shock of Vanuatu,” she said. While at College, Charlotte was a part of the International Committee, organising social events such as the Hottest 100 Music Festival, Mardi Gras celebrations and ‘Dunmorefest’.
“I learned when you get a group of people together with all different ideas and backgrounds, you can’t just go in there with guns blazing — you have to respect the needs of different
groups and work together to discover what’s going to make things happen,” Charlotte said.
“Vanuatu was an incredible experience. You’d be sharing seats on the combis used as buses and people would get on carrying machetes having come from working in their gardens. I found living without things such as fresh milk, broccoli, and strawberries wasn’t hard because the aelan kakae was delicious,” she said. But her work at Sista could be. “I talked to girls and tried to help them share their stories so they could get support. Some were facing very challenging situations and they were my age. I learned so much from all the women in Vanuatu.”
Now back to finish her degree at Macquarie University, Charlotte’s Vanuatu experience helped her gain an internship in Martin Place at the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children Australia, a global NGO. She is developing training programmes dedicated to fighting online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
“DLC helped me to explore every opportunity that was available at university,” she said. “The community gave me the confidence to try things and the College did the rest — not worrying about meal prepping or grocery shopping made it possible to give everything a go.”
“I loved being at the uni, being involved in social sport and volunteering and being so close to the city,” she said. Her favourite College memories are simple things like spending time with her Resident Adviser and friends, making late night cheese toasties with friends and debriefing from exam stress at 1am at the College vending machine.
“We had people from such different parts of Australia and the world — we all just wanted to experience everything that uni life had to offer together. Living at DLC and then in Vanuatu taught me a different mindset. You can be and do more when you know it’s not just all about you — it’s about community.“
Opening doors
During the semester breaks, we welcome high school students from around NSW to stay at Dunmore Lang while they attend activities organised by our Macquarie University partners — Widening Participation and Walanga Muru as well as Girls to Graduate (G2G). These camps provide a unique opportunity for students to experience what Dunmore Lang College and Macquarie University have to offer.
One of our long standing ‘holiday camp’ partners is the Macquarie University Access and Widening Participation (AWP) team who share our goals of improving university access for a more diverse group of students, including those who may have never considered university an option for them. The AWP team’s pre-access camps provide a first hand ‘university’ experience to high school students especially those who face social or financial barriers. The students enjoy discovering what living away from home would look like, learning more about themselves and often realising new dreams and pathways.
Sean Barnes, who organises InRoads one of their flagship programmes for rural students, said the team runs various programs to improve the access, participation, retention and success rates of students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. “Having students be able to stay in the same student accommodation MQ students do (especially regional students) helps ‘demystify’ that part of their higher education journey,” he said. Students often enjoy the independence of having their own room as well as the communal spaces to enjoy with others — and the hot chocolate machine is a real hit with the high schoolers!
“The Dunmore Lang staff are always helpful and supportive of our programmes and the students we bring to them — DLC meets our brief perfectly,” Sean said.
Jason Chan, who runs the Girls to Graduates (G2G) STEMM Camp, said their camp allows participants to explore the wide range of study options and career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM). The camp provides opportunities to engage with academics, researchers, industry partners and current university students. “Being able to stay at Dunmore Lang College makes it easier for the AWP team to deliver a full and engaging schedule of activities each day,” Jason said.
“Our experience with Dunmore Lang has been exceptional from start to finish. The team is incredibly supportive and flexible throughout the planning and delivery of the camp. A special thank you to Jim, Mallika, and the entire DLC staff for their outstanding assistance and hospitality!” Jason said.
Austin Clavel
Austin Clavel from Broken Hill (Willyama), attended the Macquarie University InRoads Programme in 2023, where he joined rural and regional high-school students from around NSW for a week to experience university life and for many, their first visit to Sydney.
Austin is working towards a career in the Australian film and television industry studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications, majoring in Screen Practice and Production. Macquarie University helped him with a relocation cost grant scholarship and was thrilled when he was offered a place to live at Dunmore Lang College in 2025.
“I was looking for a community, not just a place to stay,” he said. “The idea of living somewhere that felt like home, with events, support, and a strong student culture, really appealed to me,” he said.
He said the InRoads trip showed him that there is a place for regional students in creative industries. “It gave me the confidence that my background wasn’t a disadvantage; it was something unique,” he said.
At Dunmore Lang College, he particularly enjoyed the community on his floor, latenight chats, movie nights and the events.
“Being at DLC has allowed me to grow into who I am without fear of judgment. The people here are genuinely supportive, and there’s so much room to express yourself creatively, socially, and personally. I’ve never felt pressure to be anyone but myself, and that’s a powerful thing when you’re stepping into adult life.”
Austin dyed his hair for the world’s greatest shave and raised over $100 with the support of his floor for leukaemia research
Walanga Muru Camps
Our other long standing partner is Walanga Muru at Macquarie University. Walanga Muru offers exceptional experience camps for students in Years 10–12, as well as offering services including pathways, mentoring, academic support, scholarships, and cultural spaces for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Macquarie University.
Twice a year our corridors are filled with the warm sounds of just under 100 students from across regional New South Wales ready to embark on immersive experiences at Macquarie University. Rising Stars (Year 10s) and Camp Aspire (Year 11 and 12s) are stepping stones for future leaders, to see all that is available from a tertiary education. Walanga Muru recognises the power of education, a powerful vehicle for change for individuals but also their wider family and communities.
Nikki Kiddle from the Walanga Muru Pathways team said, “Staying at Dunmore Lang for Walanga Muru’s Rising Stars Leadership Camp and Camp Aspire allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students the opportunity to see what living on campus may be like should they choose to relocate and study at Macquarie University. The proximity of DLC to the wider University and the Metro station makes accessibility and travel easy, further enhancing the students’ experience.”
Chloe Miles
Chloe first experienced life at Dunmore Lang College when she attended the Macquarie University Walanga Muru Camps in Year 10 and 11, from Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga (Wiradjuri Country), New South Wales.
Her experience with the Camps gave her a terrific start to fulfilling her passion. Chloe has been passionate about becoming a Primary School teacher and is now living at Dunmore Lang College and in her first year of a Bachelor of Education Primary. “I can’t wait to teach in a classroom,” she said.
“I fell in love with the campus and thought on campus accommodation would be best suited to me,” she said. “I wanted to join a community to make settling into university life a smooth journey. Having stayed here already, I mostly knew what to expect, but I love all aspects of the way the college is run.”
“Having a space to live in a vibrant community with great friends, allowed me to be me. The lifestyle is a huge change from what I was previously used to, but now I can focus on my study and enjoy university — DLC events, dining and facilities make it all possible.”
Annalise Hanger
Annalise Hanger, from Mulwaree High School Goulburn (Gundungurra Country) attended the Macquarie University Walanga Muru Rising Stars and Camp Aspire in years 10 and 11.
She said the camps helped her better define and build her character and make plans for the future. “It’s where I determined that working with mob and being surrounded by other Indigenous people was my passion,” she said.
She is now in her first year studying a Bachelor of Laws, to become a lawyer working with Indigenous youth affected by family, policing and, the out of home care systems.
“Moving away from home was quite a confronting and scary concept, so the idea of moving to a college where I would be surrounded by people my age who were all experiencing the same events and emotions eased that fear — I knew that on campus living would be perfect for me at Dunmore Lang College.”
She said all the social opportunities at DLC had definitely brought her out of her shell. “It’s allowing me to form great friendships, explore new hobbies and excel in my studies!”
Chloe with Annalise at the Commencement Dinner 2025
Graduations
Warm congratulations to all of the students who have graduated at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025. All of the students listed were a part of the Dunmore Lang College community for some or all of their degree — we wish you every success in the future and look forward to seeing what comes next!
Zac Condon Orange, Wiradjuri Country
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Sam Moss
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Georgia Griffiths
Bachelor of Human Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology
Will Schoenmaker
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Georgia de Montemas
Bachelor of Security Studies
Olivia
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Yvonne
Bachelor of Security Studies
Amelia Hanson
Bachelor of Security Studies
Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Laws
Sam Moss
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Georgia Griffiths
Bachelor of Human Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology
Will Schoenmaker
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Isla O’Reilly
Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology
Jem Sheldon Bachelor of Arts
Ellie Carmichael
Anderson
Jade Bunt
Monk
Alicia Xerri Bachelor of Arts
Josh Riggien Bachelor of Clinical Science
Stephanie Smith Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Zac Condon Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
Talissa Cerato Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
James Boag Bachelor of Arts
Dunmore Lang Board Director Dr Sonya Willis
Edwina Keen Doctor of Philosophy with the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology (Phd)
Mackenzie Dewsbury Bachelor of Psychology
Graduates 2024/5
Olivia Anderson
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Schazain Babar
Bachelor of Business Administration
Grace Beavis
Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Psychology
James Boag
Bachelor of Arts
Jade Bunt
Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Laws
Melinda Burke
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Ellie Carmichael
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Talissa Cerato
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Zac Condon
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
Charlie Cooper
Bachelor of Commerce
Tom Crofts
Bachelor of Commerce
Jade Daly
Bachelor of Psychology
Georgienne de Montemas
Bachelor of Security Studies
Bayleigh Dee
Bachelor of Information Technology
Mackenzie Dewsbury
Bachelor of Psychology
Grace Drinan
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
Campbell Duff
Bachelor of Security Studies
Alex Duffield
Bachelor of Ancient History
Jordan Fisher
Bachelor of Media and Communications
Rosie Flatau
Bachelor of Psychology
Simone Gardner
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Professional Accounting
Georgia Griffiths
Bachelor of Human Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology
Amelia Hanson
Bachelor of Security Studies
Joe Hodges
Bachelor of Applied Finance
Robert Kamper
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Applied Finance
Meg La Macchia
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws
Eleanor McConnell
Bachelor of Commerce
Taylor McCoy
Bachelor of Commerce with the degree of Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Claudia Minter
Bachelor of Arts
Divyanshi Mohnot
Bachelor of Clinical Science
Yvonne Monk
Bachelor of Security Studies
Samuel Moss
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Tsz Hong Billy Ng
Bachelor of Media and Communications
Isla O’Reilly
Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology
Joel Pearsall
Bachelor of Planning
Oatile Pilane
Bachelor of Medical Sciences
Dominic Reed
Bachelor of Security Studies
Joshua Riggien
Bachelor of Clinical Science
Alexander Russell
Bachelor of Science
Max Sanzone
Bachelor of Applied Finance and Bachelor of Actuarial Studies
Will Schoenmaker
Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Psychology
Jem Sheldon
Bachelor of Arts
Anna Smith
Bachelor of Social Science
Stephanie Smith
Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Ryan Thompson
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Isaac Villanueva
Bachelor of Clinical Science
Greta Ward
Bachelor of Game Design and Development
Georgia Whitfield-Lowe
Bachelor of Commerce
Wilfred Wu
Bachelor of Commerce
Amit Banik
Master of Business Analytics
Jacob Bell
Master of Organisational Psychology
James Charge
Master of Business Analytics
Freya Hancox
Master of Criminology
Grace Sasagi
Master of Research
Edwina Keen
Doctor of Philosophy with the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology (Phd)
Mohammadkazem Papan
Doctor of Philosophy (Phd)
Paul Trlin
Doctor of Medicine (Phd)
Raelee Lancaster
Wiradjuri & Biripi Woman
2017 DLC Alumni
“My aim is to promote empathy, listening, and laughter in all that I do.”
Raelee Lancaster
Raelee is an award-winning writer, library professional and advocate for Indigenous knowledge systems. She is a recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader CAUL Award presented by the Council of Australasian University Librarians for her work as principal advisor of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services and Collections at the University of Queensland Library. She was acknowledged for the key role she continues to play in making Indigenous knowledge more accessible, transforming how university libraries engage with Indigenous history and culture.
Raelee works in Indigenous data sovereignty, reparative archival description and creative nonfiction, blending her many qualifications, from a Master of Information Science, a Bachelor of Ancient History and a Graduate Certificate in Heritage Management. She brings it all together, curating programs focusing on storytelling: whether it’s data and collections, artist line-ups, or Spotify playlists.
As well as her full-time work, she is also a freelance writer and a creative arts professional, with a focus on poetry, nonfiction, criticism, and playwriting. She enjoys reviewing film, theatre, live music and art events as well as discussing and reviewing books and literature. Raelee’s work has been published in multiple platforms and anthologies, and has been recognised by several awards, prizes and residencies.
“I love immersing myself in other people’s creations and they inspire me with their words,” she said. As an avid reader, her favourite place to read is under a tree with an iced coffee in hand. While clearly Raelee is passionate about libraries, the Toronto library, near where she grew up in Newcastle, still remains her favourite.
“My aim is to promote empathy, listening, and laughter in all that I do,” she said.
GradReady winner shares his dream
Angus (Gus) Southwell credits growing up on a farm near The Oaks, a small rural town in the Macarthur Region of NSW, for developing his resilience, stoic work ethic and dedication to becoming a doctor.
Angus is one of our Residential Advisers and a deserving recipient of the GradReady GAMSAT Principal’s Scholarship. Angus has aspirations to help transform healthcare for those who need it the most in regional and rural Australia. Gus shares his story: Where you live shouldn’t determine the quality of care you receive. I am working to become a doctor, so I can both help people and to inspire others to join in supporting those areas that face the most significant challenges.
In 2023, I started a Bachelor of Clinical Science at Macquarie University as a pathway towards the Postgraduate Doctor of Medicine program, which I will start in 2026. After years of working toward my goal of entering medicine, the GradReady scholarship provided not only muchneeded academic support, but also reassurance that I wasn’t alone in navigating the intense demands of GAMSAT, CASPer, and medical school interviews. My selection filled me with both gratitude and helped me stay focused for what lies ahead.
Good quality medical care is so important and supports an entire community. I’m working hard so that one day I can support someone in what could be one of the most stressful moments of their life. I want to be the sort of doctor that gives
people the confidence to navigate the challenges in their lives. Outside of this, it is important to me that as a doctor, I am an advocate for creating long-lasting impact for regional communities.
The GradReady programme has already made a huge difference. I have learned how to study smarter, not just harder and the program has helped me manage all of the different priorities that come with being a student. Thanks to this support, I’ve been able to take on leadership roles that have shaped how I view leadership and supporting others. In 2024, I served as Social Vice President of the Association of Dunmore Lang College Students, and now I support students in my role as a Residential Adviser.
Having the support from the scholarship and Dunmore Lang College has been important in helping me to grow and succeed as a student and a leader. It’s allowed me to further my study and lean on my passions for science, service to others, and learn how to create meaningful impact in the community here.
Lily Wardell on Exchange in the Netherlands
Meet Lily who is in her 2nd year of a Bachelor of Arts and Security Studies and has just returned from a six-month exchange in the Netherlands!
Lily is from Blackheath in the Blue Mountains (Dharug Country) and is well on her way to becoming a journalist or an intelligence analyst once she completes her degree. We sat down with Lily to ask her a few questions about her exchange and how Dunmore Lang helped shape her decision to head overseas.
Tell us about your first year at DLC:
Moving to DLC was taking my first step towards independence. When I first left home, the thought of living in Sydney was somewhat daunting, however the strong and supportive community I found at College made this so much easier. Last year I was lucky enough to receive an Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship, and this year a Dorothy Knox Bursary to support my accommodation costs. I am so immensely grateful to Dunmore Lang for these scholarships, as they allow me to continue studying and living in a place which truly cares about our academic and personal betterment.
Looking back, I would not have the courage or confidence to move overseas if I had not made the move to College first.
Where did you decide to go for exchange and why?
I went to Leiden University in the Netherlands due to its picturesque canals, proximity to the Hague, and international reputation for strong security and international relations programmes.
What are some favourite memories of your time there?
My favourite memories were made by travelling to other countries and meeting so many people with eye opening stories. I now have many friends who live across the globe, and I look forward to seeing them in the future.
What did the exchange mean to you?
My exchange allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow both personally and academically. It has been an immensely rewarding experience and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to live and study in another country.
Did you miss us whilst you were away?
Being on exchange has truly made me appreciate the excellence of DLC’s facilities and support. Living in a college which provides cleaning, food, and wellbeing support is something rare — as no other place I have come across commits to the same extent as Dunmore Lang when it comes to making university a fun and rewarding experience.
How has going on exchange helped shape your future goals and aspirations?
My exchange is going to open up new opportunities in the workforce. I have developed a unique skillset whilst being away that broadened my perspectives and taught me a new level of independence.
“ The values that
my peers at College display have helped determine the type of person I want to be and I can’t wait to get back there in Semester 2 and be a positive role model for others!”
Lily Wardell Darug Country
Meet RA and entrepreneur Marcus Ryan
When Marcus Ryan sees any problems, he enjoys stepping up and finding creative ways to solve them. Whether it’s offering inspiration as one of our College’s Residential Advisors or turning potential landfill into beautiful gifts, Marcus from Tamworth makes things happen.
So it was surprising to hear him say how nervous he was arriving at Dunmore Lang College on his first day — “Not knowing anyone was really hard,” he said.
Now preparing to graduate from his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) at Macquarie University, he is looked up to as a leader, entrepreneur and sports person, yet also with a gentle charm which seems to spring from a genuine desire to help others. He thanked the College’s leadership team for recognising and nurturing his leadership and entrepreneurship skills and helping him make the most of every opportunity during his three years here.
“I
appreciate being treated like a responsible adult. Alasdair and Emily set a high standard and if you reach it, you are given terrific opportunities.”
Marcus Ryan Kamilaroi Country B Commerce (Economics) Winner MU Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
Support for the entrepreneur
When the 2025 Residential Advisors began this year, the College presented them all with a Marcus.R WoodWorks handmade cheese or charcuterie grazing board, artfully handmade with recycled timber — by Marcus. “Buying the boards helped boost my business and when the College had used pallets, they made sure I could have them for the raw materials,” he said.
Marcus discovered his woodworking gifts while staying with his uncle in Orange who was a carpenter. “He had interesting off-cuts to work with,” he said. Marcus’ dad ran his own printing business, so family dinner table conversations often explored how to solve real world problems. During covid, Marcus’ problem-solving skills helped him to turn his interests into a thriving micro-business.
“I’d been making cheese boards from dad’s pallets saving them from landfill, but mainly for family and friends. When covid cancelled the Tamworth Country Music Festival, I made a cheese board
in the shape of a guitar so people could still get a “Taste of Tamworth”. I posted it on Facebook — and the idea took off!” He invested in better tools and maintains his handmade promise by restricting production to when he’s on holidays. His “Pallet to Plate” range now includes engraved boards for special occasions and orders keep coming in.
“It’s something I love to do — going to the shed and making things that make people happy. The fact it helps reduce landfill and doesn’t need heavy marketing or any staff is an added bonus,” he said.
His proudest moment was when his local MP, Kevin Andrews, a regular customer, raised over $200 in a fundraiser by stacking one of Marcus’ boards with local produce. “The joy and fulfillment I experience from seeing people enjoy my boards goes far beyond the end result,” Marcus said.
Valedictory Celebration 2024
Memories were made, achievements honoured and fond farewells exchanged as the the Dunmore Lang College community united once again for our annual Valedictory Celebration.
The outstanding achievements of the 2024 Valedictorians and graduating students were recognised with an evening of awards, acknowledgements and canapes before continuing the celebrations together with a cruise on Sydney Harbour.
The event also welcomed the incoming student leaders; the Resident Advisers and the Association of Dunmore Lang Students (ADS) teams. Speakers reflected on their adventures amongst their active and diverse community, and shared insights for those following in their footsteps.
Members of the Dunmore Lang College Board, Macquarie University staff and friends attended to celebrate the fitting tribute to the personal growth, friendships, and contributions that shaped college life throughout the year.
“We were honouring not just their academic success, but the way they’ve grown and supported one another,” said the Dean of Students, Emily Itto. Visitors praised the college spirit and opportunities which had helped the students transition into such exceptional young adults.
Congratulations to all 2024 Valedictorians, award winners, and the entire Dunmore Lang College community for another year of achieving more through caring for each other.
“ We were honouring not just their academic success, but the way they’ve grown and supported one another.” Dean of Students, Emily Itto
Congratulations to all our Valedictorians and Award winners of 2024
Dorothy Knox Bursaries (announced at the 2024 Valedictory celebration)
Margaret Saville Prize
Inaugural Margot Doust Prize
Hugh McCredie Sports Award
Valedictorians
Lara Cowley
Jasmine El Hanafy
Lily Wardell
Stella Hockly-Langevad
William Milne
Talissa Cerato
Rose Hedlund
Lucy Hill
Hudson Harmer
Isaiah Ahsee
Olivia Anderson
Talissa Cerato
Thomas Croake
Tom Crofts
Heath Crossingham
Georgienne de Montemas
Mackenzie Dewsbury
Campbell Duff
Alex Duffield
Emma Fryer
Lachlan Grogan
Amelia Hanson
Rose Hedlund
Mikayla Kumar
Sienna Liebenberg
Yvonne Monk
Amelia Murray-Prior
Isla O’Reilly
Sarah Rawson
Joshua Riggien
Will Schoenmaker
Jem Sheldon
Nathalie Simons
Bree Todd
Isaac Villanueva
Julian Zhou
Tamworth
Wollongong
Blackheath
Leura
Oakdale
Kamilaroi
Dharawal
Dharug
Dharug
Tharawal
Griffith Wiradjuri
Campbell, ACT Ngunnawal
Balaclava
Port Macquarie
Wellington
Point Clare
Griffith
Hillvue
Port Macquarie
Hanwood
Robertson
Narrabri
Manildra
Orange
Elanora Heights
Tamworth
Lake Albert
Campbell, ACT
Glenmore Park
Pelican Waters
Aranda, ACT
Richmond Hill
Werris Creek
Orange
Tamworth
Bathurst
Willoughby
Adamstown
Shell Cove
Mulgoa
Revesby Heights
Gundungurra
Biripi
Wiradjuri
Darkinjung
Wiradjuri
Kamilaroi
Biripi
Wiradjuri
Gundungurra
Kamilaroi
Wiradjuri
Wiradjuri
Guringai
Kamilaroi
Wiradjuri
Ngunnawal
Dharug
Kabi Kabi
Ngunnawal
Bundjalung
Wiradjuri
Wiradjuri
Kamilaroi
Wiradjuri
Cammeraygal
Awabakal
Dharawal
Dharug
Bidjigal
National Forum reps redefine leadership
Dunmore Lang College sponsors several students each year, including past attendees to return as mentors, who help the next generation explore and challenge the meaning of leadership.
Ayva O’Meara
Ayva O’Meara was previously selected for the NLF and is returning this year as an assistant facilitator of the small groups at the Forum. She has been involved in the DLC community throughout her time at college, becoming Senior Vice President of the ADS (Association of Dunmore Lang Students’ Executive team) in her second year, a Resident Advisor (RA) in third year and is currently the Senior RA.
Now a 4th year in her Bachelor of Laws, she’s keen on a career that helps her connect with and support others.
“The NLF is all about leadership and connection — learning the true value of servant leadership while taking the time to get to know yourself and those around you. While I was flying blind into this opportunity, I quickly realised that at the NLF, there’s no imposter syndrome. You can strike up a conversation with anyone, even the Prime Minister, and no one blinks an eyelid.
The NLF helped me realise that leadership isn’t a hat we wear. It’s a lifelong commitment to consideration for others, and for the community as a whole. These are lessons that have shaped my time at DLC, and been reinforced by my opportunities at College, too.
At DLC there are countless opportunities to be a servant leader. Whether it’s a leadership position, taking a second to chat with someone in the hallway or helping clean up after events, our community is full of opportunities to invest in yourself and those around you through simple, everyday interactions.
My experiences at the NLF and DLC have expanded my horizons and emphasised the importance of meaningful connection and compassion that guide my goals to be true to my values and equip me with the support and perspective I need to achieve them.
I’m so grateful that DLC recognised this passion and sponsored me for the NLF.”
“ The NLF helped me realise that leadership isn’t a hat we wear. It’s a lifelong commitment to consideration for others, and for the community as a whole.”
Ayva O’Meara
Josh Riggien
Josh lived at Dunmore Lang College from 2023–2024 and completed his Bachelor of Clinical Science at Macquarie University in just two years. He is now at the University of Sydney studying a Doctor of Medicine, well on his way to achieving his dream of being a surgeon. He is also a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awardee, Australia Youth Advisory Panel Member, 2024-present, and was a Student Ambassador, Macquarie University, 2023–2024. He attended the Forum in 2023 and was invited back in 2024 as a returning delegate.
“It’s hard to narrow down a highlight as each day offered incredible experiences. I absolutely loved the community service afternoon where you go to a street in Canberra and each group helps a family with anything they need — you could see it means a lot to the residents.
I learned that leadership is measured less by formal responsibility and more by a willingness to meet the needs of those around us. From the instant connections that formed moments after arrival, to the incredible delegates who are now close friends, every lesson on leadership was modelled in real time by the community itself.
The relationships forged at Forum will continue to shape my thinking. The principle that servanthearted action must underpin everything will remain the benchmark against which I measure my own practice and I appreciated the opportunity to encourage others to experience the transformation that the National Leadership Forum offers.”
Marcus Ryan
Marcus Ryan attended the forum in 2024. His highlights were meeting the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and then Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton as well as hearing from people doing incredible things such as Wil Massara’s Youth Leadership Academy and poverty alleviation programmes around the world.
“A true leadership mindset is not focused on ‘what’s in it for me’. Instead, we learned to focus on what value can you, with your own strengths and weaknesses, add to fixing a problem. And there’s no ‘one size fits all’ way to finding long-term solutions. It’s a complete mind shift from ‘what is the best job that I can get today?’ to ‘what value can I provide?’
Another highlight was making good mates even after only 3 days … you could see people were going to go on and do exceptional things!
[NLF] brings talented minds together that are building a better future.”
Academic Success
Exceptional and engaged in all she does, third year Dunmore Lang College student Pria Cerato somehow manages to do it with disarming humility and a sense of fun. She currently holds the highest WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of residents living at College and was awarded the Dean Frost Memorial Award for Academic Excellence, whilst also balancing a well-rounded lifestyle, including managing the College’s social media presence. It comes as no surprise that she was a recipient of Macquarie University’s 2025 Jennifer Barton Law Memorial Scholarship.
The Jennifer Barton Memorial Law Scholarship recognises the potential of women in law, providing financial support to continue their study at the Macquarie Law School.
The scholarship was created in memory of a Macquarie Law School graduate Jennifer Barton who was passionately committed to the achievement of social justice, and was devoted to her family. Jennifer was known for her integrity, courage, intelligence, work ethic and generosity of spirit. Award recipients are identified on grounds of academic merit, and alignment with Jennifer’s mission of “breaking cycles of disadvantage”. Pria more than merits this award, and it is a well-deserved mark of her passion, and commitment to the study of law.
As a regional student from Griffith (Wiradjuri Country), New South Wales, Pria has faced financial and geographical barriers to achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer. Pria initially struggled with the transition to Sydney and adjusting into her new life but says “the supportive community of my residential accommodation — Dunmore Lang College — helped me thrive, and over time I have become an active participant in college life.” The Jennifer Barton Law Memorial Scholarship has allowed Pria to continue living at Dunmore Lang College, a place that has become her support network and community whilst she completes her degree.
These three women, Jade Blunt, Taylor McCoy and Dr Edwina Keen, who are DLC Alumna, are leaders in their fields, so much so that they were invited to speak on behalf of their graduating cohort at recent Macquarie University graduations.
All three women spoke with courage, purpose and gratitude — reflecting on their journey so far and the important people around them that made it possible.
A massive congratulations to Edwina, Taylor and Jade, it’s an honour to be asked to speak on behalf of your cohort and all of us at Dunmore Lang College are so proud of you and your achievements.
Dr Edwina Keen graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy with the degree of Master of Clinical Psychology
Jade Bunt graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Laws
Taylor McCoy graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with the degree of Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Kicking Goals
“Being close to training and study has made all the difference. Less time in the car, more time to grow.”
Tom Ryan
Biripi Country
Tom’s football journey began in Port Macquarie, lacing up for Auskick as a kid. Tom worked hard and was selected for the Sydney Swans Academy.
On the field Tom is known for his strong marking ability and contested strength, whether he’s holding the line in defence or pushing forward to score. His skills on the field saw Tom nominated as the Men’s rising star for Sydney AFL after his match against St George in June.
Despite the competitive pressures of being part of the elite Sydney Swans VFL team, Tom manages to find time to enjoy life, study and be a part of the Dunmore Lang College community.
“Dunmore Lang has helped me a lot,” he says. “It’s a friendly and supportive place that made moving out of home smooth and easy. It feels like a big family here”.
That sense of belonging has allowed him to be himself — something he believes every student at DLC experiences, helping him unwind from the pressures of study and his commitment to footy.
Between coaching, training, gameday and studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Tom says that staying at Dunmore Lang College has helped him manage the pressures of elite sport. “Being close to training facilities and the Swans has meant less time in the car travelling and more time to focus on footy and uni.”
“I always have someone to talk to, play games or chill with.”
Inspired by his cousin, Richmond AFL player Samson Ryan, Tom’s aiming to break into the top level of AFL in the near future. With his dedication and a strong foundation, the DLC community is not only cheering him on, but looking forward to celebrating his successes with him — every step of the way.
“Sport has developed my leadership skills,” he says, “I’ve learned so much from team dynamics, having to overcome injuries and the ever-present challenge of proving myself in every game… It makes me want to keep improving every day.”
Elite hockey player finds the support and freedom to reach his goals
When Jack Marshall arrived at DLC from Tamworth at the start of 2025, he was nervous about juggling two very demanding pursuits: elite-level hockey and studying a Bachelor of Engineering.
Jack Marshall discovered his love of hockey right back in Year 1 at Westdale Public School in Tamworth. Now a midfielder, he credits hockey with teaching him discipline and time management which has helped him juggle the demands of study and elite sport.
Living away from home for the first time, especially in a big city can be challenging but Jack said that ever since he had arrived at the College, he has appreciated how everyone at DLC made it possible for him to be involved, yet still left him the space and time he needed.
“DLC has given me a home away from home in Sydney that has enabled me to study and play hockey in the Sydney Competition,” he said.
Jack said life at College has provided him with the structure and support he needed so he could achieve his goals in sport and study. “Having the basics provided, especially healthy food — and friends to eat it with helps a lot with my schedule.”
“I am now able to attend hockey training several times a week with highly skilled and knowledgeable players and coaches.”
Jack has recently represented NSW at the U18 National Hockey Championships in Perth, and has been named in the Australian U18s Futures Squad.
“Now I’m living away from home, I need to be responsible and make sure I have allowed time in my day for classes, training, laundry, food etc.” he said. “I do work hard at being disciplined with my training and studies.”
“As soon as we arrived, DLC encouraged us all to be ourselves and be respectful of everyone and their lifestyle choices. I’m still included in so much of college life even though I miss lots of events because of my hockey.”
Jack Marshall Kamilaroi Country
Snapshots of College life from the last 12 months.
